Accessibility Ballinasloe is making a National impact!

Facing stiff competition from organisations all over Ireland, Accessibility Ballinasloe were shortlisted for the Charity Impact Awards (administered by The Wheel and supported by Medtronic). 

This is a great opportunity to highlight the work Accessibility Ballinasloe are doing. All you need to do is  a simple click and VOTE and EVERY vote counts! Go to http://www.charityimpactawards.ie/community and click "small" category, then choose the "shortlist" button and complete the vote for Accessibility Ballinasloe. 

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So what is Accessibility Ballinasloe all about?  Have a read here.....

Tell us about the issue or issues this organisation is tackling and why it matters: Accessibility Ballinasloe (AB) was set up in April 2016 to develop Ballinasloe and its hinterland as an accessible, inclusive environment which welcomes and supports everyone to live an independent and healthy life regardless of age or disability. This group endeavours to create awareness around the challenges faced by people with disabilities. This is essential to enable everybody to participate in the community equally.

How does it go about tackling these issues?: AB works with all members of the community (individuals, clubs, community groups, organisations and statutory bodies) to identify collectively the needs, find solutions and create awareness around the issues and challenges faced by older people and people with disabilities in the community.

Everyone loves a good story. Tell us about a case where the organisation has made a positive difference: AB conducted a Walkability Audit of Ballinasloe town centre in 2016, the recommendations of which now form part of Galway County Council's Town Enhancement Plan. AB has also lobbied for the installation of a wheelchair swing and picnic bench in a playground in the town and these have now been installed. AB has also lobbied for the installation of changing hoists in the Coral Leisure Centre and these will be installed before year end. AB was also involved in "Make Way" Day national campaign to create awareness around disability parking. In conjunction with Galway County Council, AB applied to the Town and Village Renewal Scheme for upgrade works to be done to pathways and line markings in the town and €100,000 has been approved

What has the overall impact of this work been?: Children with disabilities can now partake in day-to-day activities in a playground, They will also be able to partake in water activities in the Leisure Centre when the changing hoists are installed shortly. Improvements to pathways in the town will ensure that everyone in the community will be able to walk on our footpaths safely.

What makes this organisation special?: AB is a small group, consisting of 6 core members with diverse backgrounds, who have come together with a common purpose. The group members work in diverse areas within the community so witness at first hand the gaps that exist. The group is dynamic and totally focussed on achieving its goal. Because of its small size, action plans are put in place in response to identified needs and rapidly acted upon.

How can the public support this work?: ABs first fundraising event will take place this winter (table quiz) and local community's support will be sought. The public has responded AB's call to action to date with regard to events the group has organised This support can be seen in the photo uploaded in this application, which is of the Walkability Audit which was the positive response to AB's call to action for this project.
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